Capítulo 1
The Courage to Rise Above Your Fears
What if the greatest obstacle to living your best life wasn't external circumstances, but the voice of fear whispering in your ear? Margie Warrell's "Brave" has become a modern classic for those seeking to break free from the invisible chains of fear. This Forbes columnist and leadership coach doesn't just theorize about courage-she embodies it. After relocating her family across multiple continents, working in Papua New Guinea, and traveling to over 60 countries, Warrell understands firsthand what it means to step beyond comfort zones. Her book has garnered praise from business leaders and celebrities alike, with Arianna Huffington calling it "a practical roadmap for living with greater courage." In a world increasingly paralyzed by anxiety and uncertainty, "Brave" offers a refreshing counterpoint: that our capacity for courage grows each time we choose action over avoidance. Whether you're contemplating a career change or simply want to speak up more in meetings, this book provides the psychological toolkit to transform fear from an obstacle into a catalyst for growth.
Capítulo 2
Standing for Something Greater Than Yourself
Making a stand for something bigger than yourself is the foundation of living bravely. When Margie witnessed the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre as a university student, she was struck by the extraordinary courage of the protesters, particularly the iconic "tank man" who stood defiantly before a column of tanks. This singular act of defiance, captured in a photograph that would circulate worldwide, embodied the raw power of one person standing up for their beliefs in the face of overwhelming opposition. While few acts of courage make international headlines, every brave action stems from deciding that something matters more than your personal comfort or safety.
Without clarity about what you stand for, it's easy to drift along the path of least resistance, which rarely leads anywhere worthwhile. This drift can manifest in various ways: accepting unethical practices at work because "that's just how things are done," remaining silent in the face of injustice to avoid conflict, or compromising your values for short-term gains. When you declare what you stand for, you're essentially saying: "I am the author of my life, not just a passive spectator." As former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard noted, changing the world requires "a sense of purpose, the courage to pursue it and the preparedness to risk the most public of failures."
We all possess unique contributions that only we can make. This might be the teacher who stands for every child's right to quality education, the business leader who champions ethical practices despite pressure to cut corners, or the parent who models integrity for their children. Knowing what you stand for compels you to step beyond your comfort zone to honor your potential, even when doing so involves personal risk or sacrifice.
It's not about grand gestures or dramatic confrontations - it might be standing for honesty in your workplace by speaking up about misleading reports, maintaining dignity in your relationships by setting healthy boundaries, or pursuing excellence in your craft by refusing to deliver subpar work. Small, consistent actions aligned with your values often create more lasting impact than singular bold moves. The key question isn't whether you'll take a stand, but what you'll stand for. Your answer shapes not just who you are today, but who you'll become tomorrow, and ultimately, the legacy you'll leave behind.
Capítulo 3
Challenging Your Personal Reality
We don't see the world as it is; we see it as we are. Our perception of reality is filtered through our personal lens and the stories we create, which in turn affect our emotions, actions, and outcomes. These stories either expand or limit what's possible for us.
Margie shares how she had labeled herself an "unathletic non-runner" until joining a boot camp that challenged this narrative. The trainer refused to accept her self-imposed limitation, eventually leading her to complete a half-marathon-something she'd previously considered impossible. This transformation wasn't about physical ability but about rewriting the story she told herself.
We're hardwired with cognitive biases that make us defend our existing worldview. "Perceptual defense mechanism" causes us to ignore contradictory information, while "confirmation bias" draws us to information that supports our beliefs. To overcome these limitations, we must actively question our reality by seeking information that challenges our existing paradigms. This requires courage to acknowledge we might be wrong and to rewrite our stories.
For areas of dissatisfaction in your life, try interrogating your reality: Does your current story expand or shrink possibilities? What contradictory evidence exists that you might be ignoring? Where have you cast yourself as a victim rather than an agent of change? What alternative stories might open new possibilities? What payoffs might you need to surrender to change?
Remember, the map is not the territory-our mental maps of reality are not pure reflections of it. Like outdated maps, our stories about ourselves and the world either expand our possibilities or shrink them. If you're dissatisfied with your results, take a step back and interrogate your reality to discover what you once thought impossible might actually be within reach.
Capítulo 4
Confronting Fear Head-On
Fear is manufactured in our minds-a projection of future occurrences that may never materialize. Our imaginations can amplify these possibilities exponentially, paralyzing us with anxiety. It's not the feared event that holds power, but our fear itself. This mental manufacturing process often involves catastrophizing, where we spiral through increasingly unlikely worst-case scenarios until we've created an insurmountable mountain from what might actually be a manageable molehill.
Margie recounts how her son Ben wanted to go skydiving for his thirteenth birthday. Despite her own fears, she focused on his excitement rather than her anxiety. When Ben later admitted feeling terrified before jumping, it highlighted how fear is created by our thoughts about potential outcomes, not the outcomes themselves. The experience taught them both that courage isn't the absence of fear but rather the ability to act despite it. Ben's jump became a powerful metaphor for facing fears in all aspects of life - from public speaking to career changes to relationship challenges.
Fear serves a purpose-protecting us from danger-but in our fear-driven culture, we must be discerning about which fears to heed. As Mark Twain observed, most things we fear never actually happen. Studies show that approximately 85% of what we worry about never comes to pass, and of the 15% that does occur, we handle it far better than anticipated. The real fear isn't about external events but about how we'll feel if the worst happens. Ironically, avoiding these remote possibilities creates more angst than facing them would, while preventing us from building resilience. This avoidance can create a self-reinforcing cycle where each time we step back from fear, we strengthen its hold over us.
We often confuse what we think we fear with what we link to fear-being afraid of the dark versus what might be in it, heights versus falling, losing money versus feeling worthless. By acknowledging fears and exposing them to truth, we dilute their strength and create freedom and possibility. For instance, someone afraid of public speaking might actually fear judgment or rejection, while someone avoiding career advancement might really fear failure or increased responsibility. Understanding these underlying connections helps address the root cause rather than just the symptom.
Taking action despite fear diminishes its power and amplifies our own. Whether small acts like inviting people over or larger ones like changing careers, each brave step strengthens our faith in ourselves. Research shows that gradual exposure to feared situations, starting with small challenges and building up to larger ones, is one of the most effective ways to overcome fear. The key question becomes: "What would I do if I weren't afraid?" The answer often reveals the path to your greatest growth. This question serves as a compass, pointing toward opportunities for personal development that fear might otherwise keep hidden.
Successful fear management often involves breaking down larger fears into smaller, manageable steps. For example, someone afraid of public speaking might start by speaking up more in small meetings, then progress to presenting to larger groups. Each small victory builds confidence and creates evidence that contradicts fear-based beliefs, gradually rewiring our response to challenging situations.
Capítulo 5
Valuing Your Own Opinion First
Growing up as one of seven children, Margie recalls her father's custom-built family van that replaced their station wagon. Her father had spent months meticulously converting a standard cargo van into a family vehicle, complete with handcrafted wooden cabinets, a built-in cooler, and individually designed seating for each family member. While her father beamed with pride at his innovative solution to transport his large family, teenage Margie was mortified, often ducking down when they drove through town to avoid being seen by schoolmates. Her constant worry-"What will everybody think?"-reflects a universal human concern that often persists into adulthood, shaping our decisions and limiting our potential.
The truth is that if you don't approve of yourself first, no amount of external validation will ever be enough. Though we're naturally wired to seek belonging and approval - a survival mechanism deeply rooted in our evolutionary past - becoming overly concerned with others' opinions surrenders your power and authenticity. Those who judge harshly typically do so from their own insecurities, projecting their fears and limitations onto others. Research shows that critical people often struggle with low self-esteem and use judgment as a defense mechanism.
Psychological research reveals that our dreaded "everybody" usually consists of just five or six key people whose opinions we've elevated to outsized importance. Even more telling is the "spotlight effect"-we assume we're getting twice as much attention as we actually are. Studies at Cornell University demonstrated that people consistently overestimate by 50-100% how much others notice their appearance or actions. While we're worrying about being judged, others are typically absorbed in their own concerns about being judged, creating a cycle of unnecessary anxiety.
When you allow others' opinions to dictate your actions-from what you wear to major life decisions like career choices or relationships-you relinquish your power and compromise your authentic path. The irony is that the less you care about others' approval, the more likely you are to receive it, as confidence and self-acceptance naturally draw people's admiration. As Cher famously said, "Until you're ready to look foolish, you will never have the possibility of being great." This sentiment is echoed by countless successful individuals who achieved breakthrough success only after letting go of others' expectations.
Looking back, Margie wishes she'd had the confidence to care less about the van incidents and laugh more. That unique van, which seemed so embarrassing then, actually represented her father's creativity, dedication, and love for his family - values far more important than fleeting peer approval. Approving of yourself, accepting your quirks and circumstances, and owning your worth frees you to express your authentic self without requiring external validation. This self-approval becomes the foundation for living bravely in all aspects of life, from small daily choices to life-changing decisions. When you trust your own judgment first, you develop resilience against criticism and the courage to pursue your true desires, regardless of others' opinions.
Capítulo 6
Trusting Your Inner Wisdom
Our intuition manifests as subtle feelings that guide us through life's decisions. While traveling the world at 21, Margie developed a keen sense about whom to trust, including accepting a ride from Peter, an off-duty Amtrak conductor she'd just met. Throughout her travels across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, her intuition never failed her.
Fear clouds our ability to discern real threats from imagined ones. Many people live in constant anxiety, diminishing their capacity to tune into their intuition. Meditation helps connect with intuition, as Arianna Huffington discovered when deciding to take The Huffington Post global against advice.
Our bodies communicate through physical sensations-goosebumps, chest tightening-that we should never ignore. When making big decisions, overthinking often leads to less satisfaction than simply "going with your gut." And if you sense someone needs help, don't hold back for fear of looking foolish.
Psychologist Gary Klein notes, "The longer we wait to defend our intuitions, the less we will have to defend." This speaks to an important truth: intuition often processes information faster than our conscious mind can analyze it. When we dismiss these gut feelings, we're ignoring valuable data.
Learning to trust your intuition requires practice. Start with small decisions where the stakes are lower, and notice how your body responds to different options. Pay attention to the physical sensations that arise when you're considering a choice that feels right versus one that doesn't. Over time, this awareness becomes a powerful decision-making tool that complements your rational thinking.
Remember that intuition isn't mystical-it's your brain processing patterns and information below the threshold of conscious awareness. The more experience you gain in a particular domain, the more reliable your intuition becomes in that area. By honoring these internal signals, you access wisdom that logical analysis alone might miss.
Capítulo 7
Directing Your Focus Intentionally
When Margie's 16-year-old son Lachlan left home to pursue basketball in Washington DC, she found herself dwelling on her loss rather than his gain. Her friend Graeme pointed out that she was focusing on what their family was losing rather than what Lachlan would gain, unintentionally diminishing their remaining time together. This common parental struggle illustrates how our perspective can dramatically shape our experience of life's transitions.
What we focus on expands in our reality - a principle demonstrated repeatedly in both psychological research and daily life. By shifting attention from what she'd lose to what Lachlan would gain - improved coaching, competitive experience, personal growth, and future opportunities - Margie could ride the wave of grief with more gratitude and joy. Our experience reflects where we place our attention-in conversations, thoughts, and emotions, creating a self-reinforcing cycle that shapes our entire worldview.
Psychologist Albert Bandura's extensive research found that focusing on negative things triggers related memories that amplify those emotions in unrelated areas, creating what he termed "negative cognitive spirals." For example, dwelling on a work setback often leads people to notice problems in their relationships or health, even when unrelated. Conversely, focusing on things that make you happy makes you happier by activating positive neural pathways and memory networks. As Abraham Lincoln wisely observed, "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." What you focus on, you create; what you think about, you become.
This principle applies beyond emotional states to achievement and success as well. When you focus on obstacles, they seem to multiply - like a salesperson fixating on rejection rather than potential customers. When you focus on possibilities, you begin to see opportunities everywhere, much like an entrepreneur spotting market gaps others miss. This doesn't mean ignoring problems-it means directing your primary attention toward solutions and progress. Successful people typically spend 80% of their energy on solutions and 20% on problems, while struggling individuals often reverse this ratio.
Try this practical experiment: for one week, consciously direct your focus toward what's working in your life rather than what isn't. Notice the small wins, like completing daily tasks or maintaining healthy habits. Express gratitude for everyday conveniences, from hot running water to technology that connects you with loved ones. Appreciate the people who support you, from family members to service workers who make your life easier. Keep a daily journal of three specific positive observations. This simple shift in focus can dramatically alter your experience of life and open your eyes to possibilities you previously overlooked.
The practice of intentional focus becomes particularly powerful during challenging times. Whether facing career transitions, relationship changes, or personal setbacks, consciously directing attention toward growth opportunities rather than losses can transform obstacles into stepping stones for development.
Capítulo 8
Taking Complete Ownership of Your Life
It's easy to blame others and abdicate responsibility for our lives. Many people live in the shadow of their excuses rather than owning their choices that shape their reality.
Florence Nightingale attributed her success to never giving or taking excuses. Living bravely means owning every choice and its consequences without hiding behind justifications. This requires deciding to be bigger than your excuses and taking complete responsibility for your life-whether you're 21 or 61, highly educated or not.
Taking personal responsibility for health, finances, careers, relationships and environment isn't easy, but it's transformative. Successful people don't make excuses-they've used the power they've always had, the same power that resides in you.
The biggest barrier to achievement isn't external obstacles but making a commitment to overcome them. Your life is the sum of all your choices. Be bolder than your best excuses and own your choices to create the life you want.
This doesn't mean blaming yourself for circumstances beyond your control. Rather, it means acknowledging your power to respond to whatever life presents. When something goes wrong, ask yourself: "What's my part in this? What can I learn? What will I do differently going forward?" This approach shifts you from victim to creator, from passive to powerful.
Consider areas where you might be making excuses: "I don't have time to exercise," "I can't advance in my career because of office politics," or "I can't pursue my passion because I need financial security." Challenge these narratives by asking what would happen if you removed the excuse and focused solely on what you can control. The answers might surprise you-and open doors you thought were permanently closed.
Capítulo 9
Embracing Your Authentic Self
Carly Findlay, born with a rare skin condition called ichthyosis, has spent her life looking different. Rather than hiding her appearance, she embraces it with pride: "This is who I am; it doesn't make me weird; it makes me special." She's become an international advocate for people who look visibly different, writing books, speaking at conferences, and challenging society's narrow beauty standards. Her work has inspired thousands to reframe their differences as strengths.
In our society, we face constant pressure to conform to idealized images, from social media filters to corporate dress codes. Many people dial down their uniqueness to climb social or corporate ladders, eventually becoming strangers to themselves behind their masks. The cosmetic procedure industry, now worth billions globally, thrives on this conformity pressure, promising happiness through homogenization. Studies show that this pressure to conform often starts in childhood and intensifies during adolescence, leading to long-term identity suppression.
When Margie moved to Melbourne for university, she abandoned her country ways to fit in-changing her speech, clothes, and mannerisms. She stopped using rural expressions, adopted city fashion, and even changed her accent. Only when traveling overseas did she realize how much pressure she'd put on herself to conform. In foreign countries, her authentic "country" personality became her greatest asset, helping her connect with people who found her background fascinating.
Having the courage to own what makes you different-whether it's your appearance, heritage, sexuality, or style-doesn't lead to social rejection but makes you more attractive. As Coco Chanel said, "In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different." The most successful people refuse to wear masks. Look at figures like Lady Gaga, who turned her eccentricity into an empire, or Temple Grandin, who used her autism to revolutionize animal science.
When you embrace your authentic self and stop trying to prove your worthiness, you experience true freedom and give others permission to do the same. Research shows that authentic self-expression leads to better mental health, stronger relationships, and increased creativity. Your uniqueness isn't something to minimize-it's your greatest asset. The very qualities you might try to hide could be precisely what the world needs from you.
Consider what aspects of yourself you might be downplaying to fit in. Are you hiding your accent, your enthusiasm for unusual hobbies, or your unconventional viewpoints? What would happen if you brought your full, authentic self to your relationships and work? While there's always risk in authenticity, the reward is connecting more deeply with others and making contributions only you can make. Studies of workplace behavior show that employees who feel free to be themselves are more engaged, innovative, and satisfied with their careers.
Capítulo 10
Living by Design, Not Default
Two months after returning from a year of backpacking, Margie met her future husband Andrew. Shortly after marrying, they discussed their shared vision-having children and living abroad. When an opportunity arose in Papua New Guinea (not their ideal cosmopolitan destination), they seized it anyway, embarking on a three-year adventure that shaped their life together.
Without a clear vision for your life, you risk meandering aimlessly at the mercy of circumstances. As Kofi Annan wrote, "To live is to choose, but to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for." This doesn't require knowing every detail of your future, but rather being intentional about what fills your cup.
Living by design requires slowing down enough to reconnect with your deepest yearnings. Only then can you muster the courage to say no to what doesn't serve you and yes to what does. Creating a vision won't insulate you from life's trials (Margie experienced miscarriages and an armed robbery in PNG), but it puts you in the driver's seat, helping you navigate challenges and notice beauty you might otherwise miss.
Every intention sets energy into motion-set your highest intention and you can't go wrong. This means taking time to envision what you want in major life domains: relationships, career, health, personal growth, and contribution to others. With this vision as your compass, you can make decisions that align with your deepest values rather than drifting with the current of others' expectations or society's default paths.
Living by design means actively choosing your direction rather than passively accepting whatever comes. It's about creating a life that reflects your unique gifts and aspirations, not someone else's template for success. When you live with intention, even detours and setbacks become meaningful parts of your journey rather than random misfortunes.
